Pubdate: Sat, 02 Oct 2010 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 Anne McMillan Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Anne McMillan Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n791/a05.html CRACK KITS PANDER TO DRUG ADDICTS To the Editor, Re: Study backs crack kit distribution, Sept. 28. Frankly, I could not believe what I was reading. When did the brain-trust involved come to the conclusion that it was preferable to pour taxpayers' dollars into "trying" to protect the health of addicts by providing drug paraphernalia? As I see it, the main focus needs to be on treatment with a minor focus on prevention - getting people off drugs and their addictions is by far of greater importance than giving them clean drug kits. This only keeps them doped up and 'unhappy' - they remain unproductive members of our society and slaves to their poor choices that led them down this road. The article points out a majority as seeing "any attempt to quit crack use as a futile effort in the long run." With this type of defeatist mentality - nothing can be done to salvage these poor souls. When hope is lacking, there can be no success. Rather than building a bridge halfway across the river into which they will eventually walk, build a bridge to a drug-free productive future that these people can be successful in overcoming their addictions and thereby become successful, productive citizens - dare I say ones that get employed and pay taxes. Have I got your interest yet? Anne McMillan Nanaimo - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D